Charlotte non-profit provides support for grieving first responders – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE – It’s a dark and difficult Christmas Eve for many first responders in the community of Charlotte.

The tragic death of Officer Mia Goodwin in an accident Wednesday morning is still relevant.

When news of the tragedy first broke, psychologist and trauma expert Mary Gail O’Dea said her thoughts were on the ripple effect of the trauma that would be felt not only by the family and Friends of Goodwin, but by the entire first responder community.

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“Sometimes it’s not right away, it’s not right after something like this has happened. It could even take weeks or months, ”said O’Dea, executive director of Presby Psych, a nonprofit mental health resource.

As the first responder community continues to mourn, O’Dea wants the Charlotte-Mecklenburg cops and Charlotte firefighters to know that Presby Psych is available to speak out about the tragedy.

The association offers six free counseling sessions and additional discounts for first responders and resources for their partners and children.

“There’s going to be heartache, anger, a feeling of helplessness,” O’Dea said. “These are not a bunch of people who want to feel helpless.”

She hopes to see first responders refer each other to services, especially if they are struggling to manage pain in a healthy way while on vacation.

“Be careful with your alcohol intake,” advised O’Dea. “If you notice that you are withdrawing from your family or if someone in the family tells you about it, these are things that are good symptoms if you will, it might be a good idea to talk to someone about it. ‘a.”

O’Dea said other policewomen, especially police mothers, might be sensitive to the loss of Goodwin.

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She said the best thing our community can do is show compassion to those who serve.

“Some people want people to notice and be kind to their grief,” O’Dea said. “Other people are, you know, at this point of ‘Okay … I don’t want to talk about this.’ “

If you are a CMPD agent or a Charlotte firefighter looking for advice, you can make an appointment with Presby Psych by calling 704-554-9900.

Presby Psych is not under contract with CMPD or CFD, so anything you say is confidential and will not be returned to your service.

(SEE BELOW: Nonprofit fundraiser to provide mental health advice and resources to first responders)

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